Douglas France might be used to fighting for listings in Sydney’s tough Western Suburbs markets, but when he steps into the boxing ring on August 3, he will be in a fight of a different kind.
The Harcourts The Property People agent is pulling on the gloves as part of the Corporate Clash Macarthur, which aims to recognise the effects of illnesses, in their many and differing states, on sufferers, their partners, children, family and friends.
Douglas, who has earned the nickname ‘Fast Hands’ as a result of training for the fight, will raise money that will go towards providing specially made support packs for Rare Cancers Australia patients.
Rare Cancers Australia works to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australians living with rare, less common and complex cancers.
More than 50,000 Aussies are diagnoses with rare cancers each year.
Mr France’s involvement in the cause is deeply personal, driven by his stepfather’s battle with cancer.
“I want to not just represent myself and Harcourts but represent my stepfather, who beat such a terrible disease,” he said.
“This fight is for him and for everyone affected by rare and complex cancers.”
A passionate boxer, Mr France also credits the sport with helping him overcome mental health challenges and providing a purpose beyond his career in real estate.
“Boxing has given me incredible strength and focus,” Mr France explained.
“It has motivated me to step out of my comfort zone to raise funds for this amazing cause.”
Mr France said he had been training rigorously between five and eight times a week to get ready for the fight.
Despite being a long-time boxer, he said the Corporate Clash had helped renew his motivation in all areas of his life.
A recent achievement both personally and professionally was his significant weight loss of nearly 22kg, as well as winning the 2024 Rising Star Award at the Harcourts NSW | ACT Annual awards.
Mr France hopes his journey will inspire others.
“I want to show that if you put your mind to something, anything is possible,” he said.
“Finding the confidence and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is not easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
“I’m proud to be stepping into the ring in front of hundreds of people and hopefully put on a good show.”
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on the Corporate Clash Macarthur Facebook page, allowing supporters to watch Douglas ‘Fast Hands’ France in action from anywhere.
